If you’ve lived in Baltimore in the past, oh I don’t know… 20 years, you might have heard of a certain radio station known as ‘HFS’. Since the 70s, 99.1 WHFS was known for being a rock station that had a passionate following with its progressive, free-form programming and playing new rock before anybody else. In the 90′s, WHFS expanded their brand with their annual ‘HFStival’ music festival which featured the hottest and best bands that rock music had to offer. In the early 2000′s the format was tweaked with, catering more to the younger demographic wanting to listen to acts such as Green Day. Old school listeners were turning away, as well with less underground rock being played on the station. It seemed that by 2005, it was getting a bit much for management at CBS Radio to take.

On January 12th 2005 at noon eastern, 99.1 WHFS was switched to a Tropical Latin music format and the station was rebranded as “El Zol 99.1 FM”. The main reason behind the format change was that WHFS had fallen to 22nd place in the ratings in Washington DC (its primary market). Public reaction was mainly outrage, with many outcrying over the loss of their rock station which had been around for 30 years at least. After several years, the HFS brand would be switched over to 105.7 as a part-time format before finally being shifted online and on HD Radio as ‘HFS2′.

Just yesterday (August 1st) at noon eastern, the WHFS brand returned to the FM dial at 97.5 in Baltimore. If you have an HD Radio, you can also tune in at 106.5 HD2.

Here’s the press release from CBS Radio -

The alternative rock music Baltimore grew up with and the personalities who made it popular return to the local airwaves when “HFS” debuts on Monday, August 1. The station will feature tracks from artists such as Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Coldplay, Incubus, and Green Day, along with live and local hosts presenting the music. Listeners can tune-in to the station beginning at 12 Noon on WWMX 106.5 HD2 or 97.5 FM. The station will continue to be streamed online at www.hfs975.com or via the Radio.com app for a variety of mobile devices.

Bob Philips, Senior Vice President and Market Manager of CBS RADIO Baltimore said, “The music made popular by HFS has lived on long after the station went off the air. HFS has built a loyal following online and now those listeners can have more access than ever before as we bring back one of Baltimore’s well-known brands to radio stations across the dial.

“HD Radio Technology allows us to offer additional channels of programming alongside our over the air stations, and through a relationship with the owners of 97.5 we have this unique opportunity to expand the reach of the HFS programming. “

Personalities familiar to the “HFS” audience return to anchor the station’s programming, including Tim Virgin, who was first heard on the station in 2000, Gina Crash, a well-know HFS personality from the late 90’s, Jenn Marino, longtime radio personality Chris Emery, and Neci. Neci has the notoriety of being the only DJ who has hosted every HFStival—all nineteen of them.

HFS listeners will also hear “Loveline with Mike & Dr. Drew,” an entertaining and informative show offering advice to callers about relationships and addiction, weeknights from 10:00PM to Midnight.